ABSTRACT
Sickle cell disease is a global public health problem. L-arginine is an amino acid that helps in improving blood in the arteries of the heart and improved symptoms of clogged arteries, chest pain or angina and coronary arteries disease. Nitric oxide is a powerful neurotransmitter that helps blood vessels relax and improve circulation. The l-arginine and nitric oxide levels of sickle cell disease (SCD) subjects with steady stages were also significantly low. The objective of this study was to evaluate L-arginine and Nitric oxide levels in children with sickle cell disease at steady state for 8 weeks. This study included children with a confirmed HbSS electrophoretic pattern aged 1-14 years presented to the sickle cell clinic unit of Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe. The L-arginine and nitric oxide levels were significantly higher post supplementation compared to baseline levels (p = 0.002 and 0.000 respectively). It is recommended that L-arginine supplementation be included in the management of patients with sickle cell disease. L-arginine supplement should be made available in the paediatric emergency unit, clinic and pharmacy department as given to patients with sickle cell disease to prevent the adverse effects during the crisis and potentially reduce the length of stay in the hospital.
ABSTRACT
Aims: To carry out phytochemical screening and investigate hypoglycemic effect of aqueous Blighia sapida root bark extract (ABRE) on normoglycemic Albino rats. Study Design: Extraction and administration of bioactive extract. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria, between June, 2010 and September, 2010. Methodology: Extraction of the air-dried ground root of Blighia sapida (100 g) was done with 80mls distilled water for 2 h. The extract (ABRE) obtained was then administered at concentrations of 100mg/ml and 200mg/ml per 1000g body weight of the rats. The normoglycemic albino rats were employed. Qualitative phytochemical screening was carried out according to the standard methods of Trease and Evans (2006). The animals were fed ad libitum with vital finisher made up of maize and soya beans mainly.Fasting blood taken after 16h over night fasting was used in this study. Results: The phytochemical screening of ABRE shows the presence of alkaloids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, reducing sugar, carbohydrates, flavonoids, phenol and tannin; while the test for protein showed negative results. Administration of the aqueous of B. sapida root bark at intervals of 48h for 21 days resulted in decrease in the blood glucose levels of rats. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that consumption of the ABRE exerts significant hypoglycemic effect in normoglycemic rats. These findings support the traditional use of ABRE for controlling diabetes. Further studies to isolate active principle(s) of the extracts as well as to elucidate their exact mechanism(s) of action are recommended.